The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation for left knee instability, left knee meniscal tear, right knee meniscal tear, and right knee scars throughout the appeal period. Additionally, it granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities beginning May 11, 2024.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's knee conditions were found to meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes, and her service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment consistent with her education, training, and work experience beginning May 11, 2024.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee instability, left knee meniscal tear, right knee meniscal tear, right knee scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 7, 2025
- Citation
- A25041403
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for bilateral knee instability and denied service connection for right and left knee instability, finding no nexus between the Veteran's knee conditions and his service or service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral knee disorders due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis and granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for right knee strain to ensure that the estimated range of motion provided for repeated use over time and during flare-ups is sufficient for rating purposes.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.